How to remove sticky Blu Tack without damaging your walls

Blu Tack, also referred to as sticky tack, is great for sticking up posters, keeping photo frames in place or hanging decorative items without drilling or making holes in the wall. However, removing leftover Blu Tack is no easy task, and more often than not, you’re left with a sticky hard-to-clean mess — not to mention, oils in the Blu Tack can also leave behind some nasty stains. The good news is, we have found some easy tips for getting rid of Blu Tack without destroying your wall paint or wallpaper.

Roll it slowly from the edges

Before you try any other alternative methods, the simplest way to remove Blu Tack is to roll it slowly from the edges. This way it won’t pull off any paint or wallpaper, or leave a sticky residue behind. Start at the top and roll it down slowly into a cylinder-like shape — it’s as simple as it sounds!

Blot it with Blu Tack 

If there’s some residue left behind, try blotting it with the piece of Blu Tack you have removed. A great tip is to roll the Blu Tack into a small ball and place in the freezer for a few minutes until its rock hard, then blot away! The softer Blu Tack will stick to the harder ball and lift away. This is a lot easier than trying to remove it with your own hands which will only create more work for you. Just remember to be firm, not fast, so you don’t rip the wall paint or wallpaper off.

Use a citrus-based stain remover

There’s a good chance the oil from the Blu Tack might leave a stain on your wall. If that’s the case try a citrus-based stain removal spray — you can make a homemade version with just white vinegar, dishwashing liquid, water and lemon — to get rid of the mark. Use a sponge to apply the stain removal solution onto the stain, leave for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Meanwhile, a pea-sized amount of dishwashing detergent on a bristled scrubbing brush can also do the trick — consider using a dish detergent with a citrus base. If you don’t have a cleaning brush on-hand, a toothbrush works just as well.